Tinker Crate is a subscription box for kids ages 9-14 from the makers of KiwiCo. Like Kiwi Crate, it comes with everything you need to complete projects based around a central theme. Unlike Kiwi Crate, however, these projects are less craftsy and more based on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning and enrichment.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.
About Tinker Crate
The Subscription Box: Tinker Crate
The Cost: $19.95 per month + free shipping
ACTIVE DEAL: Get 50% off your 1st month! No coupon needed - just use this link.
The Products: STEM-based crafts and DIY projects for kids, with supplemental learning kits, booklets, and activities. Projects are designed to enhance children's critical thinking and problem-solving skills through activities that are exciting and fun!
Ships to: Anywhere in the United States and Canada, including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and APO addresses. Free within the United States, $6.95 to Canada.
Tinker Crate August 2018 "Irrigation" Review
Every box comes with a copy of TinkerZine magazine, which includes articles about that month's theme, as well as smaller projects and experiments. This month's theme is "Irrigation." I usually do this box with my twelve-year-old son, but this month my ten-year-old decided to give it a shot.
In addition to the large project that Tinker Crate sends, the magazine has several articles plus smaller projects you and your child can undertake to gain a deeper knowledge of the scientific principles of that month's topic.
This month's big project is a drip irrigation system! My son loves making things grow, so he was immediately interested in this one.
Here's a peek inside the instructions this month. They may look a little intimidating, but they are always very clear, complete, and easy-to-follow.
These were the materials Tinker Crate supplied for the project. With Tinker Crate, sometimes you have to supply a few things, but they are always items you have at home, like scissors or water. This month they included everything we needed for the project except water. Sometimes Tinker Crate includes some supplies for the smaller projects in TinkerZine, too.
My son's first step was to attach the little wooden slats with holes in them to the rims of the plastic cups and then insert the peat grow cups.
Then he put one soil tablet inside each peat cup. For the watermelon, peas, and sunflower, he buried one seed in the soil. For the wheatgrass, he simply scattered the seeds on top.
Next, he assembled the water tank. It was a little tricky as the legs had to be really straight for the plastic cup to fit. But, once he got the cup in, he slid the collar over the top and ran the tube through the holes in the collar and one leg.
Then he ran the tube through the holes on the tabs of all the plastic cups, too. He also filled the tank with water and put a stopper at the end of the tube.
Then he had to poke a tiny hole in the tube over each pot. He pulled the stopper from the end and used the syringe to pull the water through. It got a little messy, but he managed to get the stopper back on once the water was running. You can see here the water dripping through the little holes.
This is his completed irrigation system! This is pretty sophisticated, actually. I'm impressed! I can see him doing more of this type of thing in the future. He is excited for the plants, but I am kind of dubious we have time for a watermelon or sunflower, even here in Georgia. Wheatgrass is no problem, though, and we might even have time for some late peas if we transplant this cup soon.
The Verdict: We love Tinker Crate! This month's project was really fun and interesting! I think it's important stuff to know, too. I really appreciate how it gets both boys interested in engineering. I actually don't know how Tinker Crate comes up with such great project ideas month after month. They also send quality materials and provide loads of educational content. It's a huge value for $20!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, sign up now for the September box.
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